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Haldane PTA's Parents as Reading Partners 2007 Program a Huge Success
The 2007 Parents As Reading Partners "Reading is Magic" program, captured the imagination, curiosity and interest of the children at Haldane Elementary School with magic, a scavenger hunt, parties and most of all- books.
The three-week program for children in grades K through 5, was kicked off with two assembles featuring magician Terry Parrett performing his "Magic of Reading" show. The children never took their eyes off of Parrett as he performed tricks and encouraged them to read. "It was the best assembly we ever had," said principal Maggie Davis.
The 149 PARP participants- the largest number in recent years- were asked to sign a contract promising to read at lease 15 minutes a day with a parent or grown-up. To encourage everyone to pick up a book, each participant received a $5 voucher to Merritt Bookstore in Cold Spring. (The vouchers expire June 1). Children could also enter a raffle at the Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library every time they checked out a book. A raffle for a basket of books from Merritt Bookstore was also held at the Middle School Library. Throughout the program, children received copies of American Girl, Nickelodeon, and Sports Illustrated for Kids magazines to keep them reading.
Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) was expanded to a community-wide event. On the morning of April 13, students, teachers and employees of the entire Haldane Central School District stopped what they were doing and picked up a book. The school was joined by the Philipstown community-atlarge with local governments, preschools, businesses, shops and citizens participating. Senator Vincent Leibell took time out of his busy schedule to join Haldane 4th graders for DEAR time.
During Week Two, a Reader's Scavenger Hunt was held at the Butterfield Library. Divided by grade, children could choose one of two hunts in which they were given the first clue to a book. Once they found that book on the shelf, they received the second clue and so on throughout the hunt. Each child who completed the seven clues, received a prize. A Read-Aloud Pajama Party was also held at the Library. Children and their parents gathered in their nighties in the Library afterhours. Adults and children read aloud from some of their favorite books for an evening of fun and sharing.
Writers & Illustrators Week saw classroom visits from such well-known authors as Jean Marzollo (Kindergarten) and Andrew C. Revkin, Environmental Reporter for the New York Times (5th grade). Author/ illustrator James Yang explained how he came up with the drawings for his book Joey & Jet to the 1st grade while science fiction writer Luisa Perkins spoke with 2nd graders about the genre. Chris Duffy, the cartoon editor for Nickelodeon magazine, discussed the art of cartooning with the 3rd grade. 4th graders were asked to write poems of their own as they were guided by awardwinning poet Jo Pitkin. Each of the professional illustrators and writers hoped to interest the children in their various subjects and maybe inspire them to explore a career in those areas. PARP also donated copies of the authors and illustrators books to each of the classrooms.
PARP wrapped up with an Ice Cream Party in the Haldane Cafeteria with over 200 attendees including participants, their parents and siblings. Participants turned in their Reading Logs and received a Certificate for completing the program. Many raffle prizes were awarded throughout the evening. Prizes included donations from area shops and businesses such as Hudson Valley Renegades tickets, gift certificates to Hudson Valley Dance Studio, The Country Goose, Bear Mountain Ice Skating Rink, lift tickets to Tuxedo Ridge ski area and crafts from AC Moore.
Additionally, PARP has donated books from Josiah Peparo's and Linda Merolle's "wish lists" to the Elementary School and Middle School Libraries at Haldane.
PARP has been sponsored by the Haldane PTA and a grant from Target.
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